My Husband Laughed at the Anniversary Dinner I Spe…

“But just in case your marriage continues to die of sarcasm and contempt, it’s nice to know where the lifeboats are.”

Now, in the quiet of our too-big house, candlelight flickering over cooling food and wilting herbs, I realized the ship had already sunk. I just hadn’t admitted I was drowning. I opened a blank note and started a list titled: “Things Derek Has Taught Me to Stop Doing.”

Cooking elaborate meals.

Suggesting date nights. Buying thoughtful gifts. Trying to maintain romance.

Caring about his opinion. I stared at that last line for a long time. Then, beneath it, I typed:

Pretending his cruelty doesn’t have consequences.

I didn’t sleep much. When I finally went upstairs, the candles were charred stubs and the dining room smelled faintly of smoke and lavender. Derek was already snoring, mouth open, sprawled on his side of the bed.